Good friends can help you find place to escape reality

April 1, 2014

Last Sunday, Yvette Peacock invited Elizabeth Morris and me to take a drive with her to Ima. Nothing could have been better, because those canyons are always calling.

The drive was particularly special because I could just look at the scenery without putting hand to wheel or foot to pedal. Just being able to sit and remember was a real pleasure. Of course, I probably bored the girls silly by telling them so many stories, but each mile brings memories and causes me to talk.

As we drove along, I realized Yvette had never seen that country before and must have wondered what she had gotten herself into. On the other hand, poor Elizabeth had been with me several times and was hearing a lot of repetition. At least she was very patient and didn’t say what she was thinking.

We went to the hill that goes down to Grandmother’s place. The girls and Prissy walked down to the house, thus giving me plenty of time to think my own thoughts and be alone in the surrounding beauty. Being alone for a while is very necessary for this woman from the canyons. Besides, I can’t hear the echoes from the past. Those two understand and respect my privacy.

Of course we had to look into the Alamogordo Valley so Yvette could see that she wasn’t very far from her home town of Santa Rosa. That valley and its caprock are one of the most beautiful little places in our country. That country out there was fairly well populated during the homestead days, as were the plains between there and Ragland. Now, only a few places are left, but they stand out on the landscape.

Such an outing makes life worth living and certainly makes us appreciate our friends more than ever. Each of us needs a private place to go, even for a little while. We just naturally need to escape from reality for a few minutes when we can.

If you have such a place, don’t hesitate to use it. You will be amazed at how much perkier you feel after such a trip. You can face almost anything after your return. Those of us who have lived on the land and felt the crunch of grass under our feet know and love the land. Just enjoy being a part of our land and letting it help you.

Lynn Moncus is a Tucumcari resident and can be contacted through the Quay County Sun by calling 575-461-1952.